In 14Q3, GDP volume contracted with 0.1% q-o-q. Investment acted as the largest drag on growth. In 2015, GDP volume is expected to grow slowly after three years of contraction, mostly on the back of foreign demand. Unemployment will remain high.

Spain’s economic recovery has strengthened in the third quarter, mainly due to growth in consumption and investment. This also improves next year’s growth outlook. Meanwhile, the external rebalancing is in full swing and government finances are improving.

Bulgaria’s economic and political situation remains tense, as yet another government stepped down, the local financial system was shaken by organised bank runs, and bilateral relations with Russia soured markedly due to the halt of construction of the South Stream pipeline.